Tag: fitness

I’m not one for making New Year’s resolutions, mainly because they rarely last beyond a week! Also, within teaching, I often feel like there are so many new starts and am often trying to think about ways to improve myself, what I do etc. But there are a few things that I want to be better at by the end of 2016. Here they are:

1. Sort out my finances. Ugh, every year I think ‘I’m gonna save more and waste less.’ Well, enough is enough. This needs to happen. I want need a new bathroom and more holidays in Cornwall. This is only going to happen if I save more regularly and waste less money. I need to organise a budget for birthday and Christmas presents and decide which charities to donate to, instead of the ‘donate to all’ frenzy that happened this Christmas. I also want to ensure I use a bank and banking products that are ethical and do good, rather than the harmful history some of the banks continue to deal with. I also want to get back to a point that my credit card is paid off in full every month and I can go into the bank without worrying that they’ll lock the doors with me in there!

2. Organise regular fitness. I honestly thought walking Poppy would be enough, and it was, in the summer, when we walked a lot. But as school got busy and the nights got darker, I haven’t been walking Poppy as much as I would like and lots of our favourite weekend walks are, well, muddy and unpleasant. I’m not going to join a gym, as I hate them, and running is pretty much out, thanks to my knees, so I’ve got to organise something that will help to keep me fit and strong. I’m thinking pilates, but want something online or a DVD as I know I will not keep up going to classes. I never do!

3. Expand my cooking repertoire. Since becoming vegan, my diet has definitely improved, though all too often, I find myself sinking back to lazy, convenient ways. While I don’t think I’ll ever enjoy cooking, I want to eat well. In order to do this, I need to cook more, become confident with different vegetables, different herbs and spices and gain in confidence so that I’m not reaching for the take away menu too often.

That’s it. I’m stopping at three. Any more than that and it’ll probably be too much! I have everything crossed that I’m successful with these!

Wouldn’t it be great if you got a reward for exercising? Other than, you know, a healthier life and increased fitness? Phil told me about an app that does just that. It’s called Earthmiles and for all the activity you do, you collect Earthmiles that you can use for discounts in some lovely, healthy shops. You simply sync it with your fitness app of choice, mine being the Fitbit, and over time, you accumulate earth miles that translates into discounts on nutrition, fitness and gear and wellness.

I’ve already used some of my Earthmiles points on products that I already use, as well as treating myself to a few new things. I got a discount at nakd and bought some of their bars, which are always handy to have at school. I also bought some new exfoliator from Organic Surge, using 175 em. And I signed up to a one off vegan box from Good Health and it’s full of lovely, healthy treats! I’ve also got my eye on the 10% discount from Planet Organic, when I’ve topped up my Earthmiles after the half term holiday. Lots of walking = lots of treats, thanks to Earthmiles!

It’s happened. I’ve finally got myself a Fitbit. I’ve become addicted to counting my steps, seeing how far I’ve walked and how many calories I’ve burnt. Not only that, I also obsess over beating the steps my friends have taken. I’m thinking this is a good obsession, as it helps to keep me fit and active. Walking is the only exercise I currently do and it’s pretty good. It’s free, easy to do and doesn’t impact on my joints too much. Plus, walking Poppy fits in nicely, though her sleepy face after spending a morning walking through the countryside shows that she’s always happy when the walk is over!

After a lot of consideration, I chose the Fitbit one. I didn’t want to wear something on my wrist all the time and this fits discreetly on my waistband or underwear. This also helps me to forget that it’s there and means I’m happily surprised when I check in. I like that you can update your goals, cheer your friends and link it with other apps, including My Fitness Pal and Lifesum. For me, that’s really useful, as it helps me to see how well I’m doing. It also helps us to plan walks for the weekend and I’d really like to do a walking holiday – as long as we can stay in luxurious hotels with spas along the way!

I don’t know about you, but I am pleased to be getting back into a routine. Personally, I struggle with Christmas & New Year. They’re not my favourite celebrations, for various reasons, but the fact that my routine disappears doesn’t help. I get up later, stay up later, healthy eating and exercise goes out the window and everything feels difficult. The one good thing about one year ending and a new one beginning means that you have an opportunity to make the changes you’ve been thinking about for a while. Resolutions rarely last beyond the second week of January, so I’m setting myself goals for the year, things I want to achieve and good habits I want to adopt.

Last year, I worked on improving my fitness and healthy eating. Sadly, it didn’t last to the end of the year. And I’m suffering for it now! I feel sluggish, uncomfortable and in pain. So we’re back on the healthy eating wagon, am exercising three times a week and taking Poppy on some longer walks. One big thing I want to do is to finally get to grips with my money, making sure I’ve got a decent savings plan. I’m going to need a new car soon so need to work on saving for that too. I also want to take Poppy on as many new walks as possible. She loves going to new places, as do I and there are so many great places to walk in and around Oxfordshire. There are some redecorating jobs I want to do around the house, though none as massive as redecorating my study, which was an epic, epic mission! In my head, I’m starting to think of our next house, so want to get this house all sorted asap.